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- Holly Harrison
Blast (2019)
(for mixed ensemble)- Wise Music G. Schirmer Australia Pty Ltd (World)
Suitable for high school ensemble Commissioned by and first performed by MLC School students at MLC School’s 15th Biennial Sydney Opera House Concert, 21 May, 2019
Programme Note
The title Blast refers to the way the piece begins and ends: with a sudden loud sound. My aim was to write a piece that the girls would ultimately enjoy playing, and so the title also hints at having a ‘blast’; experiencing something joyous or fun.
The piece captures this year’s theme of unity in several different ways. The main musical material is based on a two-bar phrase in 5/4 which is stretched, twisted and transformed from start to finish. The ensemble begins together in unison, with many voices sounding as one, before splitting into pairs. Clarinet and saxophone work as a team, and cello and double bass as another, while the percussion glues the two pairs together. Each instrument has a solo moment (or two) where it breaks away from the unison texture before being pulled back into the ensemble.
Ultimately, the piece explores the idea of retaining a sense of self and individuality while aiming for unity as a team. You will hear influences from pop, jazz, dance, and minimalism, as well as a splash of rock towards the end. Ready for blast off!
Holly Harrison